jlsa

Louisiana Select ODP 2025–2026 Season: Frequently Asked Questions

With Joan Oliva, Sporting Director, Louisiana Soccer

1. Why was it important to release the full calendar for the 2025–2026 season while the 2024–2025 season is still ongoing?

Joan Oliva: Releasing the full calendar early gives Louisiana clubs the time and clarity they need to plan ahead. By avoiding conflicts between club and ODP schedules, we ensure that top players can fully participate in both. This proactive approach promotes collaboration between the state and local clubs and helps us attract and retain the best talent for the LA Select ODP program. And with team selection complete before the next seasonal year begins, we’re confident setting the schedule months in advance will allow us to provide high quality opportunities with maximum participation.

Here is a LINK to the full LA Select (ODP) 25/26 Calendar.

2. What is the selection process for the coming year?

Joan Oliva:
We use a two-tiered selection process:

U11–U16 players are identified through open tryouts held in a centralized location [Baton Rouge].
U17–U19 players are selected based on club recommendations, where coaches nominate players they believe are ready to compete at a high level.

This structure ensures we’re casting a wide net while also relying on the insights of experienced coaches.

3. How is the 2025–2026 season different from 2024–2025?

Joan Oliva: The 2025–2026 season builds on the strong foundation established in recent years—including quality mini-camps and participation in top regional ID events like the South Interregional Combine in Tennessee and the USYS South Region Camp in North Carolina—while introducing exciting new elements to elevate the player experience.

New highlights include:

Organizing players into consistent teams and offered regular training sessions throughout the year to promote development and team cohesion — “iron sharpens iron.”
Having these teams participate in prestigious national tournaments such as the WAGS Memorial Tournament, Tampa Bay Super Cup, North Carolina FC Showcase, and the Scott Dymond College Showcase, giving players broad exposure to elite competition and scouting opportunities.
Providing expanded international trip offerings to England and Spain, providing players unforgettable soccer immersion experiences in two of the world’s most passionate football cultures.
And expanding our program services to include virtual classroom sessions, video and data analysis, and a renewed focus on the college recruitment and placement process to further support our players on and off the field.

4. What if a player can’t make the tryout dates?

Joan Oliva: We understand that scheduling conflicts happen, and we want to ensure every interested player has a chance to be seen. If a player cannot attend their scheduled tryout, they should register for tryouts and contact me to setup an evaluation. We will also be publishing a “Scout Me” form, which registered players can complete to express interest and provide additional context for evaluation.

Please remember: only players who register for tryouts will be eligible for team selection. There is no need to contact us prior to registering.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at joan@lsa-soccer.org.

5. Do we know who’s on the coaching staff for 2025–2026?

Joan Oliva: Yes—we’re thrilled to announce that Dave Lapeyrouse, LA Krewe Rush Girls’ Director, will continue serving as our ODP Girls’ Director, and Keir Hannity, LA Fire’s Boys’ Director, is joining the LA Select staff as our new ODP Boys’ Director. We’ll be announcing the full coaching staff very soon — know this, we are thrilled to bring together top-level coaches from member clubs all across Louisiana to lead our players this season.

6. What is the cost for the 2025-2026 season?

Joan Oliva: There are two main expenses for the 25/26 ODP season. (1) Program Fees: The program registration fee for the season is $499.00 – this fee Includes training, coaching, admin, and event/tournament registration. The fee does not include uniforms or player travel/lodging. Note: payment plans are available. (2) Team Gear: Mandatory team gear includes two (2) game uniforms, a training kit, and a travel/practice jacket. Kit purchases will be made through the LA Select (ODP) webstore which will open in mid-June at thirdcoastsoccer.net. The anticipated cost for the 2-year kit cycle (‘25/’26 + ’26/’27) is: adult sizes, $264; youth sizes, $244.

📩 Have more questions?
Visit our ODP Tryouts Page for full details and registration, or contact joan@lsa-soccer.org with inquiries.

Louisiana Soccer Appoints Joan Oliva as Sporting Director

The Louisiana Soccer Association (LSA) is excited to announce the appointment of Joan Oliva as its new Sporting Director. With a distinguished career that spans five continents and twelve countries, Oliva brings a wealth of global experience to the Louisiana soccer community. Moreover, with his experience as Technical Director and MLS Next Director within Louisiana, Oliva brings a local and informed understanding to Louisiana’s player development landscape. Click here to read the full press release.

Louisiana Soccer Announces Skillmasters as Official Data Partner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Baton Rouge, 1/22/24] – Louisiana Soccer Association is thrilled to announce its official data partnership with Skillmasters, a leading provider of performance analytics solutions. This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing the player experience and elevating the standard of soccer performance analysis in Louisiana.

Skillmasters is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions designed to empower athletes and teams with actionable insights. Through this partnership, Skillmasters will provide Louisiana Soccer with a comprehensive performance data platform tailored to meet the unique needs of the organization and its players.

Key features of the partnership include:

Advanced Performance Analytics: Skillmasters’ state-of-the-art analytics platform will deliver in-depth insights into player performance, enabling coaches and players to make data-driven decisions for improved training strategies and game-day performance.
Customizable Dashboards: Louisiana Soccer will have access to customizable dashboards that showcase key performance indicators, allowing for a holistic view of individual and team progress over time.
Player Development Tools: Skillmasters will provide tools for player development, including video analysis, skill assessments, and personalized training plans to support the growth and advancement of every player within the organization.
Scouting and Recruitment Support: The partnership will facilitate enhanced scouting and recruitment processes, with Skillmasters’ technology aiding in the identification and assessment of talent across all levels.
Integration with Existing Systems: Skillmasters will seamlessly integrate its platform with Louisiana Soccer’s existing systems, ensuring a smooth transition and maximum efficiency in accessing and utilizing performance data.

“We are excited to partner with Louisiana Soccer to elevate the standard of performance analysis in our local soccer community. Our technology is designed to empower athletes and coaches, and we believe this collaboration will contribute significantly to the growth and success of soccer in Louisiana,” said Jacob Henderson, CEO of Skillmasters.

Louisiana Soccer’s President, Sean Esker, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Skillmasters’ expertise in performance analytics aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing quality resources for our players and coaches. This partnership marks a significant advancement in our capabilities and reflects our dedication to fostering excellence in soccer across the state.”

This collaboration between Skillmasters and Louisiana Soccer is poised to redefine the landscape of soccer performance analysis, setting new standards for innovation and excellence in the sport.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jeremy Poklemba

Chief Communications Officer

Louisiana Soccer Association

jeremy@lsa-soccer.org

About Skillmasters: Skillmasters is a leading provider of performance analytics solutions, offering cutting-edge technology to empower athletes and teams with actionable insights. With a focus on innovation and excellence, Skillmasters is dedicated to advancing the field of sports performance analysis.

About Louisiana Soccer Association: Founded with a passion for the game, LSA is committed to promoting and developing soccer at all levels, from grassroots to elite competition. With a strong emphasis on fostering participation, sportsmanship, and skill development, LSA provides a platform for individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in the sport they love. Through its comprehensive programs, leagues, and tournaments, LSA aims to create a positive and inclusive soccer community, cultivating a love for the game while instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and fair play. As a member of the US Soccer and the official representative of US Youth Soccer in Louisiana, LSA plays a vital role in shaping the future of soccer in the state, inspiring players, coaches, and fans alike.